Algae and seaweed

All seaweeds are algae, but not all algae are seaweeds. Seaweeds are easily visible, made of many cells and grow in the sea and there are red, brown and green types. Many algae, such as diatoms, are microscopic and consist of a single cell. Algae mostly grows in fresh watrr but can also be found in the sea and can grow in soils.

Seaweed and algae have been harvested for food in China from at least 550 AD and in Japan as early as 1000 AD. New Zealand has around 850 native algae, a third of which are very common and the Māori traditionally use species of red and green seaweed as food.

Marine algae (Chromista, Plantae, Protista, Fucaceae) have more concentrated nutrition than vegetables grown on land especially minerals that have been leeched from the soil due to intense farming techniques and chemical use. There are hundreds of types of edible algae and more are being discovered all the time.

Some types have more calcium than cheese, more iron than beef and more protein than eggs. Both algae and seaweed are rich sources of other nutrients and minerals especially vitamin A, the B complex, vitamin C, E and K and, unusually for plant foods, also contains vitamin B12. This makes them a good choice for vegans, vegetarians, the elderly, those with liver disorders and those that drink alcohol regularly or take medications that deplete the body of the B vitamins. They are also a good choice for athletes or anyone participating in intense physical activities.

Algae also have properties that are able to chelate (bind to) heavy metals, such as mercury, and expel them from the body which can be consumed through eating certain types of contaminated deep-sea ocean fish. Algae and seaweed can also help the body to expel radioactive residues and recover after radiation treatment or poisoning.

Chlorella and spirulina are two types of algae that provide all of the above-mentioned nutrients and have the ability to remove heavy metals from the body. They are also useful to consume after any radiation treatment.

Taking a teaspoon of algae powder or a capsule daily can, not only help to protect against dementia and related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, but also help to prevent and treat a very large number of other health disorders listed below.

Algae and seaweed can be purchased dried in powder and flake form and sprinkled upon many types of dishes such as eggs, fish, sandwiches, sauces, soups and vegetables. It can also be added to smoothies or used as a highly nutritious alternative to salt.

Algae and seaweed grow far below the levels of contamination of mercury and other toxins in the ocean and, therefore, are a healthy choice for their high nutrient content.

Common algae and seaweed types

NOTE: Light and heat will destroy many of the nutrients in algae and seaweed therefore they must come from a source which has not used high heat to dry it. They should not be cooked and must be stored in the refrigerator to gain the highest nutritional benefits from consuming it.

Health conditions that algae can help to treat and prevent

Significant nutrients in algae and seaweed

NOTE: Chlorella might cause “bad” bacteria to take over in the intestine of people who have a weak immune system. Chlorella contains iodine and so may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to iodine.

NOTE: Check that the algae purchased has not been grown in soils contaminated with mercury.

Related subjects

• A-Z of natural foods and remedies
• Calcium
• Heavy metals
• Mercury
• Radiation poisoning